Invisalign clear aligners can do wonders for your teeth. They can straighten them and allow you to achieve a beautiful, healthy smile in a discreet way. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. With Invisalign, you don’t have to make any drastic changes to your lifestyle and can straighten your teeth in optimal comfort.
As long as you wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours a day, your teeth will gradually shift into their ideal positions. About every two weeks or so, you’ll receive a new set of aligners that will be a bit different than the ones you had in the past. It’s important to wear the new aligners as your orthodontist prescribes them.
Some patients ask us what they should do with their Invisalign aligners once they are done wearing them. Here at Gladwell Orthodontics, we recommend they discard them as they cannot be used again. In the event your shift drift back into their old positions after you undergo Invisalign, speak to Dr. Gladwell to learn about your options.
Since aligners are comprised of a material that degrades over time and can distort as a result of the forces placed during tooth movement, wearing recycled aligners is not a good idea. While there is no evidence that doing so is harmful, we advise against it.
Schedule an Appointment at Gladwell Orthodontics
If you have further questions on Invisalign aligners and whether they can be recycled, don’t hesitate to contact our office today at 919-453-6325.
